The Marshall County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) Board of Directors announced Thursday morning the resignation of Jerry Chavez as President/CEO today. Mr. Chavez was hired in the spring of 2014 to lead Marshall County’s primary economic development agency (MCEDC) forward towards fulfilling its mission to strengthening and diversifying the local economy.
The strategic plan guiding MCEDC was adopted by its Board in 2015, consisting of objectives for business attraction, business retention and expansion, workforce development and creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Under these strategies and with successful implementation, Marshall County and its communities were recognized in a five-county region for capturing the most industrial capital investment in 2019 ($161 MM) with such projects as the Argos Manufacturing Center and many others. MCEDC also managed or developed strategies that captured $5.4 MM of the $5.8 MM awarded to Marshall County projects by the North Central Indiana Regional Development Authority (NCIRDA). These Regional Cities funds, provided by the State of Indiana, are expected to produce a return of over $120 MM into the County.
“Marshall County Economic Development successes are recognized statewide as a result of a highly effective team approach representing all levels of government coupled with the execution of specific project-based strategies,” says Jim Condon, Chair of the MCEDC Board. “I want to say thanks to Jerry for his tireless work, vision and assembly of a Marshall County team focused on accomplishment. As of today, MCEDC has recorded and anticipates over $120 MM in capital investment by industry with three months remaining in year 2020.”
The MCEDC Board met shortly after Mr. Chavez made his announcement with the goal of developing a two part plan that will ensure projects currently managed by MCEDC will continue on a successful path and that a well-coordinated effort to seek the organization’s new President/CEO is underway. These two
paths are critical, as is the engagement by the Board, to guarantee that economic development in Marshall County will progress forward such that calendar year 2021 starts off on the right foot.
“It’s been my honor to be entrusted with economic development responsibilities,” remarked Jerry Chavez. “I’ve seen and been part of some amazing results due to the collaboration that is rich in this County. And for these efforts and friendships that have come about in the past 6½ years, I am thankful. I feel blessed to have been part of the success and for all that has occurred. Together, we all have done this because we want to make Marshall County a better place to live, work and play.”
